Rohde & Schwarz on the way to 5G Broadcast: the world’s first transmission of LTE FeMBMS signals in a dynamic single-frequency network

Within the framework of the 5G TODAY research project and in cooperation with the Institute for Communications Technology of the Braunschweig Technical University, Rohde & Schwarz has successfully commissioned the world’s first dynamic single-frequency network (SFN) with FeMBMS signals in the lab.

LTE Broadcast, also known as Further evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (FeMBMS), was specified in 3GPP Release 14 in mid-2017. The upgraded standard defines new options for broadcasting to LTE-enabled mobile user equipment such as smartphones and tablets. It allows for the first time high power high tower (HPHT) applications in downlink only mode. The new features make it possible to utilize the full signal bandwidth for multicast/broadcast applications. Moreover, 3GPP Release 14 defines an extended cyclic prefix (corresponding to the guard interval in DVB-T/T2) and modes to enable operation without SIM cards, which is necessary for the broadcast application.

The Rohde & Schwarz FeMBMS transmission addresses broadcast applications for video and IP data in HPHT topologies with bandwidths of 5 MHz and 10 MHz. With this breakthrough, the company emphasizes its commitment to the new technological perspectives arising from the standardization of FeMBMS, thereby demonstrating the potential held by 5G Broadcast for applications such as TV services delivered to mobile user equipment and connected cars, and for IoT applications. "We are not only talking about 5G Broadcast – we are investing in it, which underlines the commitment of Rohde & Schwarz into that technology," says Manfred Reitmeier, Senior Director of R&D Transmitter Systems at Rohde & Schwarz.

Like all SFN networks, the Rohde & Schwarz LTE Broadcast SFN network requires synchronization information, which is made available to each FeMBMS transmitter via the M1 application protocol. The sync information is generated by a simple Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and completed by an incoming IP-based video data stream, which is either generated or encoded and multiplexed by a headend. SYNC timestamps are inserted into the data stream to generate the M1 user plane data. This data is routed via IP networks to the FeMBMS transmitters, which transmit the signal simultaneously. The FeMBMS signal is received by a software defined radio (SDR).

Currently, a major European 5G field trial is being established in Germany as part of the 5G TODAY Bavarian research project. Under the leadership of the Institute for Broadcast Technology (IRT), project partners Kathrein and Rohde & Schwarz are investigating large-scale TV broadcast transmissions in FeMBMS mode over 5G Broadcast networks. The project is supported by Telefónica Germany and Bayerischer Rundfunk, the Bavarian state broadcaster, who is providing two HPHT sites near Munich for this groundbreaking field trial.

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Rohde & Schwarz has been an innovator in broadcast and media for over 70 years. The Rohde & Schwarz product portfolio covers the entire signal processing chain for digital video and audio content – from ingest and playout to encoding and multiplexing, from contribution to satellite and IP networks to terrestrial transmission. It includes solutions for monitoring in the studio, as well as for monitoring streaming and broadcast services and entire broadcast networks. The T&M expert also offers a diverse range of instruments for testing end user equipment and infrastructure components in development, production and quality assurance. Rohde & Schwarz invests in an IP and software based future built with the blend of innovation, experience and stability that the company can offer.

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The Rohde & Schwarz technology group develops, produces and markets innovative communications, information and security products for professional users. The group's test and measurement, broadcast and media, aerospace | defense | security, networks and cybersecurity business fields address many different industry and government-sector market segments. On June 30, 2018, Rohde & Schwarz had approximately 11,500 employees. The independent group achieved a net revenue of approximately EUR 2 billion in the 2017/2018 fiscal year (July to June). The company has its headquarters in Munich, Germany. Internationally, it has subsidiaries in more than 70 countries, with regional hubs in Asia and America.R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co.KG.

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